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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 712s
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                           Copyright (c) 2002
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        March 24, 2002          11 NISSAN         11 Nisan, 5762
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There is not a Jewish soul in the world who has not been touched in some
way by the Lubavitcher Rebbe: some through direct personal contact,
others as a result of the work of the thousands of emissaries in Jewish
communities in almost every country around the globe. The Rebbe's broad
influence has set the agenda for organizations and communities across
the spectrum of observance and political leanings.

At this 100-year milestone since the Rebbe's birth, it is fitting to
stop and reflect on the breadth and scope of the Rebbe's far-sighted
vision. But reflection alone is insufficient. The Rebbe's slogan,
paraphrasing the Mishne, is "The main thing is the deed." The most
important thing is that our thoughts and feelings be translated into
action.

We invite you to get acquainted with just a few of the Rebbe's
innovative campaigns and to chose one through which you would like to
celebrate the Rebbe's birthday together with world Jewry.


                             Put On Tefilin


Launched on the Shabbat before the Six Day War broke out in 1967, the
Rebbe's by-now famous "Tefilin Campaign" was initiated as a safety
measure for the Jewish people in general and Jewish soldiers in Israel
in particular. Before and during the war, every Israeli soldier put on
tefilin. At that time the Rebbe emphasized that the Torah verse "And
they [the nations of the world] shall fear you" applies to those who don
tefilin. What better mitzva to do now to help the situation in the Holy
Land?


                         A House Full of Books


The Rebbe initiated a campaign for every Jewish home to be a "house full
of Torah books." Purchase Jewish books for children, friends and
relatives for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Treat yourself to a browse
at your local Jewish bookstore and pick up a few for yourself.


                           Moment of Silence


In 5743 (1983) the Rebbe urged the enactment of "A Moment of Silence" at
the start of the day in schools throughout the world so that youth be
made aware of the Divine "Eye that sees and Ear that hears." In
accordance with this, the Rebbe suggested sending a petition to leaders
of the American people (and all other nations) about the great urgency
of such legislation. As the topic of "A Moment of Silence" has once more
come up in the United States, find out from your government officials
how you can get involved. And make sure to start your day with a moment
of silence contemplating the Creator.


                              Give Charity


Every Jewish home should have a charity ("tzedaka") box into which coins
are placed daily, except the Sabbath and holidays.

Have a tzedaka box in each room in your home and even in your office. By
having one in your place of business, the Rebbe explains, one "involves
G-d as an active partner in one's business and enhances his potential to
distribute G-d's blessing to others."

In addition to giving charity oneself, one should encourage family
members to give charity as well. The commandment to give charity also
applies to non-Jews and one should encourage non-Jewish acquaintances to
give charity, too.

"Tzedaka is great, because it brings the Redemption near," our Sages
teach. By showing generosity to our fellow men, we anticipate G-d's
ultimate generosity and bounty.


                            Study Maimonides


In 5744 (1984) the Rebbe called for the daily study of Maimonides'
Mishne Torah, thereby uniting all Jews in the study encompassing the
entire Torah. The Rebbe enjoined all men, women and children to
participate, allowing for the study of three chapters daily, one chapter
a day or Maimonides' simpler Sefer HaMitzvot. To hear pre-recorded
classes in the Mishne Torah or Sefer HaMitzvot call (718) 953-6100 or
your Chabad-Lubavitch Center for a local number. The daily lesson is
also accessible on the Internet at www.lchaimweekly.org Both books are
available in English.


                             Affix A Mezuza


Put mezuzot on all doorposts of your home (except bathrooms and storage
closets). Make sure the mezuza parchments are hand-written by a scribe.
Beautiful mezuza covers can be purchased at most Judaica stores. As you
pass the mezuza on your front door, make a habit of touching your
fingers to it and then kissing your fingers; this reminds us of G-d's
presence and our Jewish heritage.


                              Torah Study


Each person should establish a set time for increasing his Jewish
knowledge every day, even if just for a few moments. Most appropriate as
we stand at the threshold of the Redemption is to study sections of
Torah that discuss Moshiach and the Redemption, as well as the Rebbe's
own teachings.

The Zohar teaches that as a result of wasting opportunities for Torah
study, "the day on which Moshiach will redeem us from this exile is
postponed." Through Torah study, by studying both the revealed and the
hidden dimensions of the Torah, this postponement can be revoked.

In addition, or as an alternative, it's good to participate in a Torah
Study group, preferably in groups of ten, for "over every group of ten,
the Divine Presence rests." By participating in communal sessions, we
enhance Jewish unity.


                          Jewish Married Life


The attitudes and the practices that the Torah prescribes for married
life help to develop genuine communication and love between husband and
wife. Known as "Taharat HaMishpacha"-Family Purity-couples from all
walks of life have adopted this mitzvah as a means to enhance and enrich
their married life.


                               Eat Kosher


Jews not only look Jewish and think Jewish, we eat Jewish! Jewish law
discusses what the kosher diet entails, including the total separation
of meat and milk, which animals, poultry and fish are permissible and
how they must be slaughtered. Kosher food is truly "soul food," and is
the only proper food for a Jewish soul. Thousands of kosher products
with reliable rabbinical supervision are already stocked on your local
supermarket's shelves.


                         Light Shabbat Candles


All women and girls (over age 3) should light candles every Friday
evening eighteen minutes before sunset. Married women light two or more
candles, unmarried women light one. It is important not to light after
sunset as that would be a desecration of the Sabbath. Through the
lighting of Shabbat candles we will merit the fulfillment of G-d's
promise of the Redemption, "If you will keep the lights of the Sabbath
candles, I will show you the lights of Zion."


                             Love and Unity


Love your fellow Jew simply because he is a Jew. The Rebbe declared:
"Since the Holy Temple was destroyed on account of undeserved hatred,
this reason must be undone by means of unearned love - by loving every
Jew without cause, even when one sees no apparent justification for
loving him. And it is this unity which will bring the Prophet Elijah,
the harbinger of the Redemption."

In the spirit of Ahavat Yisrael, love of a fellow Jew, we should
endeavor to unify all different kinds of Jews. This sentiment should be
reflected in all of our interactions with our fellow Jews. This will be
a foretaste of the Messianic Era, for the Redemption will unify all of
Israel.


                            Jewish Education


Jewish continuity is assured when Jewish kids get a solid Jewish
education. The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe charged every Jew with the
responsibility of contemplating for 30 minutes. Support Jewish education
in any way you can.


                            Celebrate Hahkel


This year is a Hahkel year. Hahkel means literally "assembly." In Temple
times, in the year following the Sabbatical ("Shmita") year, the entire
Jewish people assembled in the Holy Temple to hear parts of the Torah
read by the king. Men, women and even little children were charged with
this mitzva. Immediately before and numerous times during a previous
Hahkel year the Rebbe stressed the importance of holding gatherings and
assemblies that would unite Jews. Make a gathering for friends and
family during this Hahkel year; all the better if you do it on a regular
basis! Try to incorporate into the gathering Torah study, prayer and
charity.


                       A Letter in a Torah Scroll


The very last commandment in the Torah is for one to write a Torah
scroll for him/herself. The Rebbe highlighted this mitzva when he
established the Sefer Torah Campaign over 20 years ago. For a nominal
fee, one would "purchase" letters in a Torah scroll, thereby connecting
with millions of Jews around the world. To date, over 6 million Jewish
men, women and children have participated in this mitzva. For the
special Children's Sefer Torah write to 332 Kingston Ave., Bklyn, NY
11213 o r www.kidstorah.org


                        Enlist in Tzivos Hashem


"All Jewish children must know that they are, from birth, soldiers in
Tzivos Hashem - G-d's army - and conduct themselves accordingly." Two
decades ago the Rebbe established the international Jewish children's
organization Tzivos Hashem. With the motto "We want Moshiach now" the
children were charged with the special mission of performing mitzvot and
good deeds to hasten the coming of Moshiach. Enroll children under the
age of Bar/Bat Mitzva in Tzivos Hashem. www.tzivos-hashem.org


                    The Seven Universal Laws of Noah


Influence non-Jews to observe the seven universal laws commanded to Noah
and his descendants. They are the prohibitions against adultery, murder,
theft, eating the limb of a living animal, saying G-d's name in vain, to
establish a system of justice and belief in one G-d. "The future
Redemption will apply not only to Israel, but to the whole world as
well. In preparation for this Redemption, the Jewish people should try
to influence the nations of the world to observe their seven mitzvot,"
the Rebbe explained.


                              Summer Camp


The Rebbe spoke many times about he unique learning opportunity for
Jewish children afforded by the months of summer vacation. Without the
pressures of tests, homework, etc., children enrolled in camps permeated
with a Torah atmosphere eagerly learn about their heritage and are
instilled with pride in being Jewish. Creative methods are used to make
Judaism come alive. The soul is nourished as the body and mind are
strengthened. If you don't have camp-age children help sponsor a child
who would not otherwise be able to attend a camp.


                          Use Your Jewish Name


That the Jewish people did not change their names was one of the factors
in the liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage. In fact, one
of the merits that brought about the Redemption from Egypt was that they
kept their Hebrew names. A Hebrew name has a meaning and message that
binds a Jew with G-d and His Torah and this is especially important when
Jews are in Exile.

Find out what your Jewish name is and your mother's and father's Jewish
names. If you were never given a Jewish name, chose one yourself after
consulting your rabbi. Encourage family and close friends to call you by
your Jewish name.


                  Eat A Shabbat Meal with Your Family


In 5734 (1974) the Rebbe urged families to unite through eating Shabbat
meals together. Just imagine, no t.v., phone, computer-what a great way
to enhance communication skills within your family. Try a traditional
Shabbat menu, exotic recipes or even a one pot meal. The main point is
to do it together as a family.


                     Celebrate Your Jewish Birthday


Your birthday is an auspicious day. It is a time to make a gathering
with friends and relatives at which you teach or study some Torah, share
your good resolutions for the upcoming year and give charity. To find
out when your birthday is according to the Jewish calendar call Tzivos
Hashem Superphone at (718) 467-7800.


                           Give it With Love


For generations Psalm 121, known as Shir LaMaalot, customarily adorned
the labor and delivery room and afterward the bassinet. The Rebbe called
for the reintroduction of this ancient custom. The Shir LaMaalot states
our "declaration of dependence" upon G-d for our well-being and His
commitment to guard us. If you are expecting a child or know someone who
is, you can get a beautiful full-color Shir LaMaalot card by contacting
LFJME at (718) 756-5700, (800) 860-7030, or intocenter@aol.com, or
www.LchaimWeekly.org/general/art/shir-lamaalot.jpg


                         Get Ready for Moshiach


The Rebbe once related that from the time he was a little child he
imagined what the world will be like when Moshiach comes. Do your part
to get ready and to let other people know that the long-awaited era of
peace, harmony, health, properity and Divine wisdom, the Messianic Era,
is imminent. Study about Moshiach and the Redemption, give charity, add
in acts of goodness and kindness. It's in our hands, as the Rebbe said,
"What more can I do to motivate the whole world to cry out and demand
the Redemption? I have done all I can; now you do everything you can,
here and now, to bring the Redemption immediately."

For more information about how to participate in any of these campaigns
contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center or log onto www.askmoses.com

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              END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 712 - 11 NISSAN 5762
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